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National Interoperability

Field Operations

Guide

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Offi ce of Emergency Communications

Version 1.4

January 2011

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INTRODUCTION

The National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG) is a technical reference for emergency communications planning and for radio technicians responsible for radios that will be used in disaster response. The NIFOG includes rules and regulations for use of nationwide and other interoperability channels, tables of frequencies and standard channel names, and other reference material, formatted as a pocket-sized guide for radio technicians to carry with them.If you are not familiar with interoperability and mutual aid communications, start with the “How to Use the National Interoperability Field Operations Guide” section.We encourage you to program as many of these interoperability channels in your radios as possible, as permitted by the applicable regulations. Even if geographic restrictions on some channels preclude their use in your home area, you may have the opportunity to help in a distant location where the restrictions do not apply. Maximize your fl exibility.To download or request copies of the NIFOG, please visit http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/nifog Your comments are welcome at OEC@HQ.DHS.GOV

Thank you.

Chris Essid, Director Ross Merlin, NIFOG Author DHS Offi ce of Emergency Communications

TABLE OF CONTENTS

USING THE NATIONAL INTEROPERABILITY FIELD OPERATIONS GUIDE ..1

Recommendations for Programming the Federal Interoperability Channels ... 19Regulations and Guidelines for National Interoperability ........................................ 20Conditions for Use of Federal Interoperability Channels ......................................... 21

Law Enforcement Plans .............................................................................................. 22Incident Response Plans ............................................................................................ 23FCC Rules and Regulations ....................................................................................... 24NTIA Rules and Regulations ...................................................................................... 24

INTEROPERABILITY CHANNELS ..................................................................25

Non-Federal VHF National Interoperability Channels ................................................ 25VHF Low Band ................................................................................................................ 25VHF High Band .............................................................................................................. 26VHF Inland ....................................................................................................................... 27

Counties Where VTAC17/VTAC17D May Be Used ........................................................ 28Non-Federal UHF National Interoperability Repeater Channels ............................ 29700 MHz Interoperability Channels .................................................................................. 30Non-Federal 800 MHz National Mutual Aid Repeater Channels ............................ 33VHF Incident Response (IR) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan ...................... 34UHF Incident Response (IR) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan ...................... 35VHF Law Enforcement (LE) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan ....................... 36UHF Law Enforcement (LE) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan ....................... 37Federal / Non-Federal SAR Command Interoperability Plan ................................... 38Federal / Non-Federal VHF SAR Operations Interoperability Plan ......................... 39VHF Public Safety Mutual Aid and Common Channels ............................................. 40UHF MED (Medical, EMS) Channels................................................................................... 41The 25 Cities Project Federal Interoperability Channels ........................................... 44NOAA Weather Radio “All Hazards” Broadcasts ............................................................. 49

COMMON COMMUNICATIONS REFERENCES .............................................50

Operations Center Telephone Numbers ......................................................................... 50

Emergency Support Functions (ESF) ................................................................................ 51FEMA Regions - States and Territories.............................................................................. 52U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centers ........................................................... 53CTCSS Tones and Codes ........................................................................................................ 54DCS Codes .................................................................................................................................. 55P25 Digital Codes .................................................................................................................... 56RS-232 Connectors (DB25 and DB9) ................................................................................. 57RJ-45 Wiring ............................................................................................................................... 58Telephone Connectors .......................................................................................................... 59Telephone Block Wiring ........................................................................................................ 60Telephone Keypad Letters ................................................................................................... 61DSN Area Codes ....................................................................................................................... 61Cellular Telephone Emergency Response ...................................................................... 61Satellite Phone Dialing Instructions ................................................................................. 62INMARSAT-M Service Codes ................................................................................................ 64Wireless Priority Service (WPS) ........................................................................................... 65GETS - Govt. Emergency Telecomm. Service ................................................................. 65Text Messaging......................................................................................................................... 66Line-of-Sight Formulas .......................................................................................................... 68

COMMONLY USED FREQUENCIES ...............................................................69

Aviation Frequencies .............................................................................................................. 69VHF Marine Channel Listing ................................................................................................ 70VHF Marine Channels & Frequencies ............................................................................... 74Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) ........................................................................................ 79GMRS Frequencies .................................................................................................................. 80FRS Frequencies ....................................................................................................................... 80CB Frequencies ......................................................................................................................... 80Common Business Frequencies ......................................................................................... 81Railroad Frequencies .............................................................................................................. 82SAR (Search And Rescue) Frequencies ............................................................................ 83

NOTES .............................................................................................................84

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USING THE NATIONAL INTEROPERABILITY FIELD OPERATIONS GUIDE

What is the “National Interoperability Field Operations Guide”?

The “National Interoperability Field Operations Guide” (NIFOG) is a pocket-sized listing of land mobile radio (LMR) frequencies that are often used in disasters or other incidents where radio interoperability is required, and other information useful to emergency communicators.

Terms used in this document:

• FCC – Federal Communications Commission• FCC Rules – contained in Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (47CFR)• Federal – used herein to differentiate between radio stations of the United States

Government and those of any State, tribal, local, or regional governmental authority. “Federal Frequencies” refer to frequencies (channels) available for assignment to U.S. Government Agencies. Although the FCC is a Federal Government agency, the frequencies it administers are not “federal frequencies” - they are administered for state/tribal/local governments, commercial entities, and individuals.

• NCC - (1) the Public Safety National Coordination Committee, a Federal Advisory Committee formed by the FCC to advise it on interoperability; (2) National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications.

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• NPSTC – the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council is a federation of organizations whose mission is to improve public safety communications and interoperability through collaborative leadership. After the charter for the NCC expired, NPSTC continued NCC’s efforts to establish a common channel nomenclature. NPSTC channel IDs used in the NIFOG are based on the “Standard Channel Nomenclature for the Public Safety Interoperability Channels”, APCO ANS 1.104.1-2010, approved June 9, 2010 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - see http://www.npstc.org/documents/APCO-NPSTC-ANS1-104-1web.pdf

• NTIA – National Telecommunications and Information Administration• NTIA Manual – The NTIA “Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal

Radio Frequency Management” http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/redbook/redbook.html

• Frequencies are in MegaHertz (MHz) unless otherwise noted.• Emissions on frequencies above 30 MHz are narrowband analog FM, unless

otherwise noted.

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How is the NIFOG used?

The NIFOG may be used by radio technicians when programming channels in radios. We recommend having these channels programmed in radios at all times, as permitted by the applicable regulations, rather than waiting until a disaster is imminent or occurring to do the programming.

The NIFOG also is a useful tool for emergency communications planners, providing them with information on the ineroperability channels most likely to be in the radios of responders from another discipline or jurisdiction.

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Don’t I need a license for these channels before programming them

into radios?

If you are licensed under Part 90 of the FCC rules, you may program frequencies that you are not licensed to use IF “the communications involved relate directly to the imminent safety-of-life or property” or “with U.S. Government stations ... in connection with mutual activities” (see FCC rules 90.427 and 90.417).

However, note that 90.403(g) requires that “[f]or transmissions concerning the imminent safety-of-life or property, the transmissions shall be suspended as soon as the emergency is terminated.” Also, the safety of life provision of 90.417(a) makes it clear that the exception applies only when the communications involved “relate directly” to the “imminent” safety of life or property. Because one overriding policy concern of the FCC is the prevention of harmful interference, any exceptions to the general prohibition on using non-licensed frequencies are limited in nature to responding to an imminent threat to safety-of-life or property, and licensees are not allowed to exceed the bounds of those communications.

See also 90.407 dealing with communications during an emergency which disrupts normal communications facilities and §90.411 dealing with civil defense communications.

There are no restrictions on U.S. Government stations programming frequencies into U.S. Government radios.

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How can I use these frequencies if I don’t have a license for them?

There are seven ways you can legally use these radio frequencies:

1. You or your employer may already have a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license or a National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) authorization for some of the interoperability and mutual aid frequencies.

2. For FCC licensees, the non-Federal National Interoperability Channels VCALL10-VTAC14, UCALL40-UCALL43D, and 8CALL90-8TAC94D are covered by a “blanket authorization” from the FCC - “Public safety licensees ... can operate mobile units on these interoperability channels without an individual license.” See FCC 00-348, released 10/10/2000, paragraph 90.

3. You may operate on frequencies authorized to another licensee when that licensee designates you as a unit of their system, in accordance with FCC rule 90.421.

4. In extraordinary circumstances, the FCC may issue a “Special Temporary Authority” (STA) for such use in a particular geographic area.

5. In extraordinary circumstances, the NTIA may issue a “Temporary Assignment” for such use in a particular area.

6. If you are an FCC licensee, you may operate a mobile station on the Federal Interoperability Channels only when authorized by the FCC (by license or STA) and only for interoperability with Federal radio stations authorized by the NTIA to use those channels. You may not use these channels for interoperability with other State,

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tribal, regional, or local radio stations – these are not a substitute for your regular mutual aid channels. See FCC Public Notice DA 01-1621, released July 13, 2001.

7. When necessary for the IMMEDIATE protection of life or property, FCC Part 90

licensees may use prudent measures beyond the specifi cs of their license. See FCC rule 90.407, “Emergency communications”. U.S. Government stations are authorized by NTIA rule 7.3.6 to operate on any Part 90 frequency with the permission of the FCC licensee when such use is necessary for communications directly related to the emergency at hand.

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(FCC rules)

90.407 Emergency communications.

The licensee of any station authorized under this part may, during a period of emergency in which the normal communication facilities are disrupted as a result of hurricane, fl ood, earthquake or similar disaster, utilize such station for emergency communications in a manner other than that specifi ed in the station authorization or in the rules and regulations governing the operation of such stations. The Commission may at any time order the discontinuance of such special use of the authorized facilities. [49 FR 36376, Sept. 17, 1984]

90.411 Civil defense communications.

The licensee of any station authorized under this part may, on a voluntary basis, transmit communications necessary for the implementation of civil defense activities assigned such station by local civil defense authorities during an actual or simulated emergency, including drills and tests. The Commission may at any time order the discontinuance of such special use of the authorized facilities. [49 FR 36376, Sept. 17, 1984]

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(FCC rules - continued)

90.417 Interstation communication.

(a) Any station licensed under this part may communicate with any other station without restriction as to type, service, or licensee when the communications involved relate directly to the imminent safety-of-life or property.

(b) Any station licensed under this part may communicate with any other station licensed under this part, with U.S. Government stations, and with foreign stations, in connection with mutual activities, provided that where the communication involves foreign stations prior approval of the Commission must be obtained, and such communication must be permitted by the government that authorizes the foreign station. ...

90.421 Operation of mobile station units not under the control of the licensee.

Mobile stations, as defi ned in § 90.7, include vehicular-mounted and handheld units. Such units may be operated by persons other than the licensee ...

90.427 Precautions against unauthorized operation.

(a) ... (b) Except for frequencies used in accordance with § 90.417, no person

shall program into a transmitter frequencies for which the licensee using the transmitter is not authorized.

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(NTIA rules)

7.3.4 Emergency Communications for which an Immediate Danger Exists to Human Life

or Property

1. In situations where immediate danger exists to human life or property, an agency may operate temporarily on any regularly assigned frequency in a manner other than that specifi ed in the terms of an existing assignment. Emergency operations under such situations should continue only as long as necessary to ensure that the danger to human life or property no longer exists. Emergency operations under these circumstances shall be reevaluated on a regular basis until such time as normal/routine operations can be reestablished.

2. Interoperable communications for disaster/emergency response involving Federal, State, local, and tribal entities shall be in conformance with Section 4.3.16 of this Manual. Additional information regarding interoperable communications can also be found in the National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG) ... promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security.

7.3.6 Emergency Use of Non-Federal Frequencies

In emergency situations, a government radio station may utilize any frequency authorized to a non-government radio station, under Part 90 of the FCC Rules and Regulations, when such use is necessary for communications with non-government stations and is directly related to the emergency at hand. Such use is subject to the following conditions:

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a. The non-government licensee has given verbal or written concurrence.b. Operations are conducted in accordance with the FCC Rules and Regulations.c. Use is restricted to the service area and station authorization of the licensee.d. All operations are under the direct control of the licensee and shall be immediately

terminated when directed by the licensee.e. Operations do not exceed 60 days.f. A written report of each such use shall be provided, through the agency’s FAS

[Frequency Assignment Subcommittee, of NTIA’s IRAC (Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee)] representative, to the FCC as soon as practicable.

7.5.2 Frequencies Authorized by the FCC for Ship Stations

Frequencies authorized by the Federal Communications Commission for ship stations may be used by Government mobile stations to communicate with non-Government stations in the maritime mobile service.

7.5.3 Frequencies for the Safety of Life and Property

... (5) The frequency 40.5 MHz is designated as the military joint common frequency. Use of this channel is limited to communications necessary to establish contact when other channel information is not available and for emergency communications. This frequency also may be used for search and rescue communications.

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(6) The provisions of this Manual do not prevent mobile stations, or mobile earth stations, in distress from using any frequency at its disposal to attract attention, make known its position, and obtain help. (See ITU Radio Regulation Ap. 13 Part A1, § 6,1.)

7.5.4 Frequencies for Coordinating Search and Rescue Operations

... (2) The frequency 123.1 MHz, using class A3E emission, may be used by stations of the aeronautical mobile service and by other mobile and land stations engaged in coordinated search and rescue operations.

(3) The frequency 156.3 MHz [VHF Marine channel 6] may be used for communications between ship stations and aircraft stations, using G3E emission, engaged in coordinated search and rescue (SAR) operations. When control of the scene of a SAR incident is under a Coast Guard coast station, 156.3 MHz may be used by ship stations to communicate with that coast station.

Does the NIFOG authorize me to use certain frequencies?

NO. The NIFOG does not grant authority to operate on any radio frequencies. Such authority can come only from the FCC or the NTIA.

Is the NIFOG the national emergency communications plan?

The NIFOG is the national guide for possible use in a situation where no other radio

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interoperability arrangement was promulgated by local authorities, or where emergency responders are unaware of such an arrangement. The NIFOG does NOT supersede any Federal, State, tribal, local, or regional emergency communications plan. If you are dispatched to a disaster or incident scene and have no other information on how to make contact with other emergency responders, the NIFOG provides useful suggestions for which frequencies to use to attempt initial contact.

Are the interoperability channels discussed in the NIFOG available nationwide?

No. Not all frequencies are available nationwide for use as described in the NIFOG. In particular, the “Non-Federal VHF Inland Interoperability Channels” may be used only in certain inland parts of the country, away from coastal areas and major waterways (see the map titled Counties Where VTAC17/VTAC17D May Be Used on page 28 for further details). Other channels in this plan may not be usable due to the potential for adjacent channel interference in some areas, or due to authorized on-channel uses that are different than the common uses described in the NIFOG.

For a detailed list of which counties are in which VHF Public Coast (VPC) area, see: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/maps/areas/data/2000/FCCCNTY2K.txt and

http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/maps/areas/data/2000/README_FCCCNTY2K.txt FCC online area cross-reference search: http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/cesearch.pl

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Who do I contact to use interoperability channels?

These channels can be used where licensed or authorized by FCC or NTIA, including authorization by a STA.

The COML (Communications Unit Leader) acts as, or delegates the role of frequency manager; assigning

specifi c uses to available radio channels and coordinating with the FCC and NTIA for authorization to use

additional channels as needed.

If access to the COML has not been pre-arranged or is not working as planned, try the calling channels

specifi ed in the NIFOG at or near the command post, incident scene, or staging area.

At a Federally-declared disaster where a Joint Field Offi ce (JFO) is established,

“Communications” is under the Logistics Section and the Operations Section - doesn’t that

contradict ICS?

No. Communications for the personnel working in the JFO is the responsibility of the JFO Communications

Unit, which is under the Logistics Section. Communications for those aff ected by the disaster, including

local fi rst responders, victims, and local infrastructure, as well as Federal assets supporting local

disaster operations, is the focus of the Disaster Emergency Communications (DEC) Branch (ESF #2 -

Communications), which is in the JFO Operations Section. The DEC Branch may have personnel in the

Tactical Communicatons Group, Wireless Communications Task Force fi lling the role of Spectrum Manager.

Working with the Logistics Section Communications Unit Leader and the local COML responsible for the

aff ected area, Wireless Communications Task Force Leader coordinates the use of radio frequencies used

by Federal responders with State and local government authorities. The Wireless Communications Task

Force provides direct access to the FCC and NTIA decision-makers.

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How do I request a Special Temporary Authorization (STA)?

FCC licensees request a Special Temporary Authorization (STA) from the FCC:

During Normal FCC Business Hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:30pm EST/EDT)

Tracy Simmons - STA Licensing (Part 90--Land Mobile and Public Safety), Public Safety & Homeland

Security Bureau - phone: 717-338-2657 email: Tracy.Simmons@fcc.gov

or fi le electronically: FCC Form 601 - ULS http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ then click on “ULS Online Filing”

Outside of Normal FCC Business Hours (5:30pm - 8am EST/EDT, weekends, and holidays)

Communications and Crisis Management Center (CCMC) -

phone: 202-418-1122 email: disasterassistance@fcc.gov

First Responders and Public Safety Entities with general STA inquiries

Allan Manuel, Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau

phone: 202-418-1164 mobile: 202-391-5331 email: Allan.Manuel@fcc.gov

or

FCC 24/7 Operations Center phone: 202-418-1122 email: FCCOPCenter@fcc.gov

U.S. Government radio stations request temporary assignment or STAs via their agency representa-

tive to the Frequency Assignment Subcommittee (FAS) of the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Commit-

tee (IRAC). The telephone number for the NTIA Frequency Assignment Branch is 202-482-1132.

[See the previous page for requesting STAs when a Joint Field Offi ce is operational for an incident.]

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Does the NIFOG specify exactly how to program channels?

No. There is no one-size-fi ts-all solution due to differing radio designs. The NIFOG uses the ANSI “Standard Channel Nomenclature for the Public Safety Interoperability Channels” for channel names - see “NPSTC” on page 2. For some channels, the standard nomenclature specifi es a “direct” (“talk-around”) channel for repeaters which takes up an additional memory slot. Some radios have a switch that permits talk-around on a repeater channel, and using this feature would save memory slots. Similarly, some radios may have a switch or button to enable or disable receive CTCSS; for radios that don’t, another channel may be programmed so both modes would be available. Until the narrowband transition is complete, some mutual aid channels may be wideband in some areas and narrowband in others. The standard nomenclature does not always address how to label the same frequencies with different bandwidths. For the legacy police, EMS, and fi re mutual aid channels 155.475, 155.340, 154.265, 154.280 and 154.295, we suggest VLAW31W, VMED28W, VFIRE22W, VFIRE21W, and VFIRE23W as the wideband names for VLAW31, VMED28, VFIRE22, VFIRE21, and VFIRE23 on the same frequencies. For the SAR common channel, 155.160 MHz, we suggest “SAR WFM” for wideband and “SAR NFM” for narrowband. Also, consider programming additional VHF Marine channels as possible interoperability channels (for use when properly authorized), based on local

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or regional use. In particular, channels used by drawbridge tenders may be appropriate; see http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/vhfchanl.pdf for authorized channel uses and http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtVhf for frequencies.Recommended modes for using Federal Interoperability Channels: use analog for all Incident Response channels (CTCSS 167.9 Hz) and Law Enforcement channels LE A, LE 1, LE B, LE 10, and LE 16 (CTCSS 167.9 Hz); use P25 digital for the remaining LE channels, NAC $68F. CTCSS should always be transmitted on the analog channels, but carrier squelch (CSQ, no CTCSS) should be used on receive. Consider allowing the user to enable or disable CTCSS on receive by a switch or button; otherwise use CSQ on receive.

Should Fire/EMS radios have the Law Enforcement interoperability channels

programmed, and vice versa?

Yes. Radios for public safety personnel should have as many of these interoperability channels programmed as possible, as permitted by the applicable regulations. Interoperability may require crossing jurisdictional and functional lines. On the Federal interoperability channels, “Incident Response” (IR) means everybody – Fire, Rescue, EMS, Public Works, Law Enforcement, etc. The “Law Enforcement” (LE) channels will be used “primarily” for Law Enforcement activities, but could be designated for other incident support if that would not hamper Law Enforcement activities, and if assigned by the agency in control of the incident.

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How do emergency responders use the calling channels?

As you approach an incident scene or staging area, you might establish contact on a dispatch or working channel. If you can’t make contact, or if no channel was designated for this purpose, attempt to make contact on one of the designated interoperability calling channels. If it is a repeater channel and you get no response, try the “direct” or “talk-around” mode if your radio has that capability. In some cases, the talk-around channel exists as a distinct channel on the radio. For example, the VHF Incident Response Federal Interoperability Channel is known as “NC 1”. The talk-around for this repeater channel is known as “IR 5”.

The non-Federal national interoperability calling channels are VCALL10, UCALL40, and 8CALL90; the Federal IR and LE calling channels are “NC 1” (direct: “IR 5”), “NC 2” (direct: “IR 15”), “LE A”, and “LE B”. If you are unable to make contact on these channels, consider the wideband interoperability channels – if you are authorized to use them, or if your situation qualifi es as “IMMEDIATE protection of life or property”. You may be able to learn what you need without transmitting, by just listening to radio traffi c on one of these channels.

How do Search and Rescue personnel on land, on watercraft, and on aircraft coordinate

by radio?

Certain VHF Marine channels are designated in this plan for Search and Rescue (SAR) interoperability. Searchers on land, in boats, and in aircraft need to be able to

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communicate with each other to coordinate rescues. There is no VHF channel authorized and readily available to all three communities. Some aircraft involved in SAR have VHF Marine radios, as do most boaters; the VHF radios that many ground SAR groups use are capable of covering the VHF Marine frequencies. We recommend that SAR participants have the channels in this plan pre-programmed in their radios. VHF Marine channels shall not be used for conventional, terrestrial search and rescue operations – they are in this plan due to the likelihood of boats being involved in SAR in coastal areas. Also, 155.16 MHz is licensed to many SAR organizations. We encourage public safety entities to obtain licenses for this frequency to facilitate interoperability. Likewise, we encourage SAR organizations with VHF radios to program the appropriate VHF Marine channels in their radios and to exercise great restraint in using these channels only when authorized.

How can I get answers to questions about the “National Interoperability Field Operations

Guide”, or how can I off er suggestions to improve it?

Please send your questions or comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Offi ce of Emergency Communications, at OEC@HQ.DHS.GOV and include your name, agency or organization affi liation, and your e-mail address.

How do I get copies of the NIFOG?

The latest version of the NIFOG can be downloaded or ordered from http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/nifog

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Recommendations for Programming the Federal Interoperability Channels

1. If there is enough room in your radio, program all channels as analog and again as digital channels. If not, program as follows:

a. Incident Response channels – all analog.

b. Law Enforcement channels – program all as P25 digital with NAC $68F except LE A, LE 1, LE B, LE10, and LE 16 which are to be programmed analog with Tx CTCSS 167.9 Hz (6Z) and no Rx CTCSS (carrier squelch, CSQ)

2. If your radio has a user-selectable option to enable/disable CTCSS on receive, you may choose to confi gure this option so that the user can enable the same CTCSS tone used on transmit for receive. The default confi guration should be CSQ receive.

Note on using the Federal Interoperability Channels: These chan-nels may not be used for state/state, state/local, or local/local interoperability. A Federal entity must be involved when these are used.

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Regulations and Guidelines for National Interoperability

1. The FCC and NTIA rules allow for some fl exibility in frequency use by personnel directly involved in a situation where there is imminent danger to human life or property. This does NOT mean “In an emergency, anything goes.”

2. For communications not covered by #1, your use of a radio frequency must be authorized by:a. Your (or your agency’s) FCC license or NTIA authorizationb. “License by rule” – a provision in FCC rules that authorizes use of a radio

frequency under specifi ed conditions without a specifi c license or authorization issued to the user

c. A “Special Temporary Authorization” provided by FCC or NTIA3. Digital P25 operations on non-Federal interoperability channels should transmit the

default Network Access Code (NAC) $293, and receive with NAC $F7E (accept any incoming NAC). Specify talkgroup $FFFF, which includes everyone.

4. Default modes for using Federal Interoperability Channels: use analog for all Incident Response channels and Law Enforcement channels LE A, LE 1, LE B, LE 10, and LE 16; use P25 Digital for the remaining LE channels, NAC $68F.

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Conditions for Use of Federal Interoperability Channels

1. The “VHF Incident Response (IR) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan”, the “UHF Incident Response (IR) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan”, the “VHF Law Enforcement (LE) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan”, and the “UHF Law Enforcement (LE) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan” show frequencies available for use by all Federal agencies to satisfy law enforcement and public safety incident response interoperability requirements. These frequencies will be referred to hereinafter as “Federal Interoperability Channels”.

2. The Federal Interoperability Channels are available for use among Federal agencies and between Federal agencies and non-federal entities with which Federal agencies have a requirement to operate.

3. The channels are available to non-federal entities to enable joint Federal/non-federal operations for law enforcement and incident response, subject to the condition that harmful interference will not be caused to Federal stations. These channels are restricted to interoperability communications and are not authorized for routine or administrative uses.

4. Extended operations and congestion may lead to frequency confl icts. Coordination with NTIA is required to resolve these confl icts.

5. Only narrowband emissions are to be used on the Federal Interoperability Channels.

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6. Equipment used (transmitters and receivers) must meet the standards established in Section 5.3.5.2 of the NTIA Manual:a. TIA/EIA 603-B for narrowband analog;b. TIA TSB 102.CAAB-A for narrowband digital

7. A complete listing of conditions for use by Federal users can be found in Section 4.3.16 of the NTIA Manual.

8. Use of these frequencies within 75 miles of the Canadian border and 5 miles of the Mexican border require special coordination and in some cases will not be available for use.

Law Enforcement Plans

1. Frequencies 167.0875 MHz and 414.0375 MHz are designated as National Calling Channels for initial contact and will be identifi ed in the radio as indicated in the Law Enforcement Federal Interoperability Channel Plans.

2. Initial contact communications will be established using narrowband analog FM emission (11K25F3E).

3. The interoperability channels will be identifi ed in mobile and portable radios as indicated in the Law Enforcement Federal Interoperability Channel Plans with Continuous Tone-Controlled Squelch Systems (CTCSS) frequency 167.9 Hz and/or Network Access Code (NAC) $68F.

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Incident Response Plans

1. Frequencies 169.5375 MHz (paired with 164.7125 MHz) and 410.2375 MHz (paired with 419.2375 MHz) are designated as the calling channels for initial contact and will be identifi ed in the radio as indicated in the Incident Response Federal Interoperability Channel Plans.

2. Initial contact will be established using narrowband analog FM emission (11K25F3E).3. To ensure access by stations from outside the normal area of operation, Continuous

Tone-Controlled Squelch Systems (CTCSS) will not be used on the calling channels.4. The interoperability channels will be identifi ed in mobile and portable radios as indicated

in the “VHF Incident Response (IR) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan” and the “UHF Incident Response (IR) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan”.

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FCC Rules and Regulations

Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 0-199

http://wireless.fcc.gov/rules.html

Part 80 Maritime Services For information on VHF Marine channels, see

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtVhfPart 87 Aviation ServicesPart 90 Private Land Mobile Radio ServicesPart 95 Personal Radio Services (includes GMRS, FRS, CB, & MURS)Part 97 Amateur Radio Service

NTIA Rules and Regulations

Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 300

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/redbook/redbook.html

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INTEROPERABILITY CHANNELS

Non-Federal VHF National Interoperability Channels

DescriptionChannel

Name

Mobile

Receive

Frequency

Mobile

Transmit

Frequency

CTCSS Tone ±

VHF Low Band

Law Enforcement LLAW1 39.4600 45.8600 CSQ /156.7 (5A)LLAW1D 39.4600 39.4600 CSQ /156.7 (5A)

Fire (Proposed) LFIRE2 39.4800 45.8800 CSQ /156.7 (5A)LFIRE2D 39.4800 39.4800 CSQ /156.7 (5A)

Law Enforcement LLAW3 45.8600 39.4600 CSQ /156.7 (5A)LLAW3D 45.8600 45.8600 CSQ /156.7 (5A)

Fire (Proposed) LFIRE4 45.8800 39.4800 CSQ /156.7 (5A)Fire LFIRE4D 45.8800 45.8800 CSQ /156.7 (5A)

Frequency 39.4800 MHz is pending FCC assignment for exclusive fi re intersystem use.± Default operation should be carrier squelch receive, CTCSS transmit. If the user can enable/disable without reprogramming the radio, the indicated CTCSS tone also could be programmed for receive, and the user instructed how and when to enable/disable.

– 26 –

Non-Federal VHF National Interoperability Channels

VHF High Band

Description Channel Name Mobile Receive Freq. Mobile Transmit Freq. CTCSS Tone

Calling VCALL10 155.7525 155.7525 CSQ / 156.7 (5A) ±

Tactical VTAC11 * 151.1375 151.1375 CSQ / 156.7 (5A) ±

Tactical VTAC12 * 154.4525 154.4525 CSQ / 156.7 (5A) ±

Tactical VTAC13 158.7375 158.7375 CSQ / 156.7 (5A) ±

Tactical VTAC14 159.4725 159.4725 CSQ /156.7 (5A) ±

Tac Rpt VTAC33 * • 159.4725 151.1375 CSQ / 136.5 (4Z)

Tac Rpt VTAC34 * • 158.7375 154.4525 CSQ / 136.5 (4Z)

Tac Rpt VTAC35 • 159.4725 158.7375 CSQ / 136.5 (4Z)

Tac Rpt VTAC36 * • 151.1375 159.4725 CSQ / 136.5 (4Z)

Tac Rpt VTAC37 * • 154.4525 158.7375 CSQ / 136.5 (4Z)

Tac Rpt VTAC38 • 158.7375 159.4725 CSQ / 136.5 (4Z)

*VTAC11-12, VTAC33-34, and VTAC36-37 may not be used in Puerto Rico or the USVI.±Default operation should be carrier squelch receive, CTCSS transmit. If the user can enable/disable without re-programming the radio, the indicated CTCSS tone also could be programmed for receive, and the user instructed how and when to enable/disable.• VTAC33-38 recommended for deployable tactical repeater use only (FCC Station Class FB2T).• VTAC36-38 are preferred; VTAC33-35 should be used only when necessary due to interference.

– 27 –

Non-Federal VHF National Interoperability Channels

VHF Inland

Description Channel Name Mobile RX (MHz) Mobile TX (MHz)

Tactical – narrowband FM VTAC17 161.8500 157.2500

Tactical – narrowband FM VTAC17D 161.8500 161.8500

Default operation should be carrier squelch receive, CTCSS 156.7 Hz(5A) transmit. If the user can enable/disable CTCSS without reprogramming the radio, the indicated CTCSS tone also could be programmed for receive, and the user instructed how and when to enable/disable.

For VTAC17/VTAC17D only: Base stations: 50 watts max, antenna HAAT 400 feet max. Mobile stations: 20 watts max, antenna HAAT 15 feet max. These channels are for tactical use and may not be operated on board aircraft in fl ight. These channels use narrowband FM and are available only in certain inland areas at least 100 miles from a major waterway. These channels use the same frequencies as VHF Marine channel 25, which uses wideband FM. Use only where authorized. See map on next page. In these authorized areas, interoperability communications have priority over grandfathered public coast and public safety licensees.

– 2

8 –

Counties Where VTAC17/VTAC17D May Be Used

Numbers Indicate VHF Public Coast Station Areas - see 47CFR80.371(c)(ii)

– 29 –

Non-Federal UHF National Interoperability Repeater Channels

Description Channel Name Mobile RX (MHz) Mobile TX (MHz)

Calling UCALL40 453.2125 458.2125Calling UCALL40D 453.2125 453.2125Tactical UTAC41 453.4625 458.4625Tactical UTAC41D 453.4625 453.4625Tactical UTAC42 453.7125 458.7125Tactical UTAC42D 453.7125 453.7125Tactical UTAC43 453.8625 458.8625Tactical UTAC43D 453.8625 453.8625

Default operation should be carrier squelch receive, CTCSS 156.7(5A) transmit. If the user can enable/disable CTCSS without reprogramming the radio, the indicated CTCSS tone also could be programmed for receive, and the user instructed how and when to enable/disable.

– 30 –

700 MHz Interoperability Channels

FCC Channel(Subscriber Load)

Transmit and Receive

FrequenciesPrimary Use Channel

NameReceive Ch. Transmit Ch.

23-24 983-984 799.14375 General Public Safety

7TAC5123-24 769.14375 7TAC51D

39-40 999-1000 799.24375 CallingChannel

7CALL5039-40 769.24375 7CALL50D

63-64 1023-1024 799.39375 EMS 7MED6563-64 769.39375 7MED65D

79-80 1039-1040 799.49375 EMS 7MED6679-80 769.49375 7MED66D

103-104 1063-1064 799.64375 General Public Safety

7TAC52103-104 769.64375 7TAC52D

119-120 1079-1080 799.74375 General Public Safety

7TAC55119-120 769.74375 7TAC55D

143-144 1103-1104 799.89375 Fire 7FIRE63143-144 769.89375 7FIRE63D

159-160 1119-1120 799.99375 Fire 7FIRE64159-160 769.99375 7FIRE64D

183-184 1143-1144 800.14375 General Public Safety

7TAC53183-184 770.14375 7TAC53D

199-200 1159-1160 800.24375 General Public Safety

7TAC56199-200 770.24375 7TAC56D

223-224 1183-1184 800.39375 Law Enforcement

7LAW61223-224 770.39375 7LAW61D

– 31 –

FCC Channel(Subscriber Load)

Transmit and Receive

FrequenciesPrimary Use Channel

NameReceive Ch. Transmit Ch.

239-240 1199-1200 800.49375 LawEnforcement

7LAW62239-240 770.49375 7LAW62D

263-264 1223-1224 800.64375 General Public Safety

7TAC54263-264 770.64375 7TAC54D

279-280 1239-1240 800.74375 Mobile Data 7DATA69279-280 770.74375 7DATA69D

303-304 1263-1264 800.89375 Mobile Repeater

7MOB59303-304 770.89375 7MOB59D

319-320 1279-1280 800.99375 Other Public Service

7GTAC57319-320 770.99375 7GTAC57D

641-642 1601-1602 803.00625 EMS 7MED86641-642 773.00625 7MED86D

657-658 1617-1618 803.10625 General Public Safety

7TAC71657-658 773.10625 7TAC71D

681-682 1641-1642 803.25625 CallingChannel

7CALL70681-682 773.25625 7CALL70D

697-698 1657-1658 803.35625 EMS 7MED87697-698 773.35625 7MED87D

721-722 1681-1682 803.50625 Fire 7FIRE83721-722 773.50625 7FIRE83D

737-738 1697-1698 803.60625 General Public Safety

7TAC72737-738 773.60625 7TAC72D

– 32 –

FCC Channel(Subscriber Load)

Transmit and Receive Frequencies

Primary Use Channel Name

Receive Ch. Transmit Ch.

761-762 1721-1722 803.75625 General Public Safety

7TAC75761-762 773.75625 7TAC75D

777-778 1737-1738 803.85625 Fire 7FIRE84777-778 773.85625 7FIRE84D

801-802 1761-1762 804.00625 Law Enforcement

7LAW81801-802 774.00625 7LAW81D

817-818 1777-1778 804.10625 General Public Safety

7TAC73817-818 774.10625 7TAC73D

841-842 1801-1802 804.25625 General Public Safety

7TAC76841-842 774.25625 7TAC76D

857-858 1817-1818 804.35625 Law Enforcement

7LAW82857-858 774.35625 7LAW82D

881-882 1841-1842 804.50625 Mobile Repeater

7MOB79881-882 774.50625 7MOB79D

897-898 1857-1858 804.60625 General Public Safety

7TAC74897-898 774.60625 7TAC74D

921-922 1881-1882 804.75625 Mobile Data 7DATA89921-922 774.75625 7DATA89D

937-938 1897-1898 804.85625 Other Public Service

7GTAC77937-938 774.85625 7GTAC77D

12.5 kHz narrowband channels shown as odd-even channel pairs of 6.25 kHz channels.

Ref: http://www.apco911.org/frequency/documents/700_NB_channel_centers.pdf

– 33 –

Non-Federal 800 MHz National Mutual Aid Repeater Channels

Description Ch. Name Mobile RX (MHz)* Mobile TX (MHz)*

Calling 8CALL90 851.0125 (866.0125) 806.0125 (821.0125) Calling – Direct 8CALL90D 851.0125 (866.0125) 851.0125 (866.0125) Tactical 8TAC91 851.5125 (866.5125) 806.5125 (821.5125) Tactical – Direct 8TAC91D 851.5125 (866.5125) 851.5125 (866.5125) Tactical 8TAC92 852.0125 (867.0125) 807.0125 (822.0125) Tactical – Direct 8TAC92D 852.0125 (867.0125) 852.0125 (867.0125) Tactical 8TAC93 852.5125 (867.5125) 807.5125 (822.5125) Tactical – Direct 8TAC93D 852.5125 (867.5125) 852.5125 (867.5125) Tactical 8TAC94 853.0125 (868.0125) 808.0125 (823.0125) Tactical – Direct 8TAC94D 853.0125 (868.0125) 853.0125 (868.0125) Default operation should be carrier squelch receive, CTCSS 156.7(5A) transmit. If the user can enable/disable CTCSS without reprogramming the radio, the indicated CTCSS tone could also be programmed for receive, and the user instructed how and when to enable/disable.*The frequency in parenthesis, which is 15 MHz higher, is the frequency used before rebanding - channel names were ICALL, ITAC1 - ITAC4. Wideband FM 20K0F3E before and after rebanding.

– 34 –

VHF Incident Response (IR) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan

Suggested Assignment(subject to availability & local plans)

Channel

Name

Note Mobile RX

(MHz)

Mobile TX

(MHz)

Incident Calling NC 1 Calling 169.5375 164.7125Incident Command 1 IR 1 170.0125 165.2500Medical Evacuation Control IR 2 170.4125 165.9625Logistics Control IR 3 170.6875 166.5750Interagency Convoy IR 4 173.0375 167.3250Incident Calling (Direct) IR 5 Direct for NC 1

Calling169.5375 169.5375 (S)

Incident Command 1 (Direct) IR 6 Direct for IR 1 170.0125 170.0125 (S)Medical Evacuation Control (Direct)

IR 7 Direct for IR 2 170.4125 170.4125 (S)

Logistics Control (Direct) IR 8 Direct for IR 3 170.6875 170.6875 (S)Interagency Convoy (Direct) IR 9 Direct for IR 4 173.0375 173.0375 (S)*See “Conditions for Use of Federal Interoperability Channels” on pages 22 - 24. Default operation should be carrier squelch receive, CTCSS 167.9/CSQ transmit. If the user can enable/disable CTCSS without reprogramming the radio, the indicated CTCSS tone also could be programmed for receive, and the user instructed how and when to enable/disable.

– 35 –

UHF Incident Response (IR) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan

Suggested Assignment(subject to availability & local plans)

Channel

Name

Note Mobile RX

(MHz)

Mobile TX

(MHz)

Incident Calling NC 2 Calling 410.2375 419.2375Ad hoc assignment IR 10 410.4375 419.4375Ad hoc assignment IR 11 410.6375 419.6375SAR Incident Command IR 12 410.8375 419.8375Ad hoc assignment IR 13 413.1875 413.1875 (S)Interagency Convoy IR 14 413.2125 413.2125 (S)Incident Calling (Direct) IR 15 Direct for NC 2

Calling410.2375 410.2375 (S)

Ad hoc assignment (Direct) IR 16 Direct for IR 10 410.4375 410.4375 (S)Ad hoc assignment (Direct) IR 17 Direct for IR 11 410.6375 410.6375 (S)SAR Incident Command (Direct) IR 18 Direct for IR 12 410.8375 410.8375 (S)*See “Conditions for Use of Federal Interoperability Channels” on pages 22 - 24. Default operation should be carrier squelch receive, CTCSS 167.9/CSQ transmit. If the user can enable/disable CTCSS without reprogramming the radio, the indicated CTCSS tone also could be programmed for receive, and the user instructed how and when to enable/disable

– 36 –

VHF Law Enforcement (LE) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan

Description Channel

Name

Note Mobile RX

(MHz)

Mobile TX

(MHz)

CTCSS or NAC

Calling LE A Analog 167.0875 167.0875 (S) 167.9 Tx, CSQ Rx

Tactical LE 1 Analog 167.0875 162.0875 167.9 Tx, CSQ Rx

Tactical LE 2 167.2500 162.2625 $68FTactical LE 3 167.7500 162.8375 $68FTactical LE 4 168.1125 163.2875 $68FTactical LE 5 168.4625 163.4250 $68FTactical LE 6 Direct for LE 2 167.2500 167.2500 (S) $68FTactical LE 7 Direct for LE 3 167.7500 167.7500 (S) $68FTactical LE 8 Direct for LE 4 168.1125 168.1125 (S) $68FTactical LE 9 Direct for LE 5 168.4625 168.4625 (S) $68F

*See “Conditions for Use of Federal Interoperability Channels” on pages 22 - 24. CTCSS on receive only if user selectable; else CSQ.

– 37 –

UHF Law Enforcement (LE) Federal Interoperability Channel Plan

Description Channel

Name

Note Mobile RX

(MHz)

Mobile TX

(MHz)

CTCSS or NAC

Calling LE B Analog 414.0375 414.0375 (S) 167.9 Tx, CSQ RxTactical LE 10 Analog 409.9875 418.9875 167.9 Tx, CSQ RxTactical LE 11 410.1875 419.1875 $68FTactical LE 12 410.6125 419.6125 $68FTactical LE 13 414.0625 414.0625 (S) $68FTactical LE 14 414.3125 414.3125 (S) $68FTactical LE 15 414.3375 414.3375 (S) $68FTactical LE 16 Direct for LE

10 - Analog409.9875 409.9875 (S) 167.9 Tx, CSQ Rx

Tactical LE 17 Direct for LE 11 410.1875 410.1875 (S) $68FTactical LE 18 Direct for LE 12 410.6125 410.6125 (S) $68F*See “Conditions for Use of Federal Interoperability Channels” on pages 22 - 24. CTCSS on receive only if user selectable; else CSQ

– 38 –

Federal / Non-Federal SAR Command Interoperability Plan

Channel Name* Mobile RX (MHz) Mobile TX (MHz) CTCSS

IR 12** 410.8375 419.8375 167.9 Tx, CSQ Rx

VTAC14 159.4725 159.4725156.7 Tx, CSQ Rx (156.7 Rx if user

selectable)

UTAC43 453.8625 458.8625156.7 Tx, CSQ Rx (156.7 Rx if user

selectable)

8TAC94 (ITAC4 before rebanding)

853.0125 (868.0125 before rebanding)

808.0125 (823.0125 before rebanding)

156.7 Tx, CSQ Rx (156.7 Rx if user

selectable)VHF Marine

Ch. 17***156.8500 (this use requires FCC STA)

156.8500 (this use requires FCC STA) none

* If a repeater is not available, substitute the corresponding talk-around channel: IR 18 for IR 12, UTAC43D for UTAC43, 8TAC94D for 8TAC94. **See Conditions for Use of Federal Interoperability Channels on pages 22 - 24.***VHF marine ch. 17 is wideband FM, emission 16K00F3E.

– 39 –

Federal / Non-Federal VHF SAR Operations Interoperability Plan

Suggested SAR Function Frequency (MHz)

Ground Operations 155.1600 narrowband FM (or wideband FM till 1/1/2013)Maritime Operations * 157.050 or 157.150 (VHF Marine ch.21A or 23A) as specifi ed by

USCG Sector CommanderAir Operations – civilian 123.100 MHz AM (may not be used for tests or exercises)Air Operations – USCG/Military 345.0 MHz AM for initial contact only, then move to 282.8 MHz

AM or other working channelAir rescue assets to air rescue assets (deconfl iction)

As charted on standard air chart or MULTICOM 122.850 (south or west sector) & 122.900 MHz (north or east sector), or as specifi ed by FAA. 122.850 may not be used for tests or exercises

Ground to Air SAR working channel 157.175 83A (21A, 23A, 81A alternates as specifi ed by local USCG Sector Commander) **

Ground to Maritime SAR working channel 157.050 21A (23A, 81A, 83A alternates as specifi ed by local USCG Sector Commander) **

Maritime/Air/Ground SAR working channel * 157.175 83A (21A, 23A, 81A alternates as specifi ed by local USCG Sector Commander) **

EMS / Medical Support 155.3400 (wideband FM)Hailing* & DISTRESS only - Maritime/Air/Ground

156.800 VHF Marine channel 16

* Use VHF Marine ch.16 to make contact (30 seconds max.), then move to appropriate working channel as directed by local USCG Sector

Commander. Non-maritime use of any VHF Marine channel requires FCC Special Temporary Authority or appropriate license. VHF marine

channels use wideband FM, emission 16K0F3E

** VHF Marine channels: 16=156.800 21A=157.050 22A=157.100 23A=157.150 81A=157.075 82A=157.125 83A=157.1750 Direction from USCG, FCC, or FAA overrides information in this table. This table does not convey authority to operate.

– 40 –

VHF Public Safety Mutual Aid and Common ChannelsFrequency (MHz) Usage Wideband ID Narrowband ID Note

155.1600 Search and Rescue Common

SAR WFM SAR NFM Not designated by FCC; availability varies.

154.2650 mobile Fire Mutual Aid VFIRE22W VFIRE22

Not available in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

154.2725 Fire Mutual Aid VFIRE24154.2800

base/mobileFire Mutual Aid VFIRE21W VFIRE21

154.2875 VFIRE25154.2950 mobile Fire Mutual Aid VFIRE23W VFIRE23

154.3025 VFIRE26155.3400

base/mobileEMS Mutual Aid VMED28W VMED28 May be designated for EMS

Mutual Aid.155.3475 VMED29 May be designated for EMS

Mutual Aid.155.4750

base/mobileLaw Enforcement

Mutual AidVLAW31W VLAW31

155.4825 Law Enforcement Mutual Aid

VLAW32

Rules for use of these channels are contained in 47 CFR 90.20 and NTIA Manual Section 4.3.11 & 7.3.6.See also “Non-Federal VHF National Interoperability Channels” and “Non-Federal VHF Inland Interoperability Channels” on page 26 - 28 of this document.

– 41 –

UHF MED (Medical, EMS) Channels

Base & Mobile TX Mobile TX Channel Name Bandwidth

462.950 467.950 MED–9 * W,N,U

462.95625 467.95625 MED–91 * U

462.9625 467.9625 MED–92 * N,U

462.96875 467.96875 MED–93 * U

462.975 467.975 MED–10 * W,N,U

462.98125 467.98125 MED–101 * U

462.9875 467.9875 MED–102 * N,U

462.99375 467.99375 MED–103 * U

* Used primarily for dispatch; may be used for mutual aid. 47CFR90.20(d)(65).

463.000 468.000 MED–1 W,N,U

463.00625 468.00625 MED–11 U

463.0125 468.0125 MED–12 N,U

463.01875 468.01875 MED–13 U

463.025 468.025 MED–2 W,N,U

463.03125 468.03125 MED–21 U

Direct mode: receive & transmit on “Base & Mobile TX” freq.; Repeater mode:

transmit on “Mobile TX” freq., receive on “Base & Mobile TX” freq. CTCSS as

required by local plan. Bandwidth: W=wide, N=narrow, U=ultra-narrow (6.25

kHz). Add “D” to channel name when operating in “Direct” mode.

– 42 –

UHF MED (Medical, EMS) Channels

Base & Mobile TX Mobile TX Channel Name Bandwidth

463.0375 468.0375 MED–22 N,U

463.04375 468.04375 MED–23 U

463.050 468.050 MED–3 W,N,U

463.05625 468.05625 MED–31 U

463.0625 468.0625 MED–32 N,U

463.06875 468.06875 MED–33 U

463.075 468.075 MED–4 W,N,U

463.08125 468.08125 MED–41 U

463.0875 468.0875 MED–42 N,U

463.09375 468.09375 MED–43 U

463.100 468.100 MED–5 W,N,U

463.10625 468.10625 MED–51 U

463.1125 468.1125 MED–52 N,U

463.11875 468.11875 MED–53 U

463.125 468.125 MED–6 W,N,U

Direct mode: receive & transmit on “Base & Mobile TX” freq.; Repeater mode:

transmit on “Mobile TX” freq., receive on “Base & Mobile TX” freq. CTCSS as

required by local plan. Bandwidth: W=wide, N=narrow, U=ultra-narrow (6.25

kHz). Add “D” to channel name when operating in “Direct” mode.

– 43 –

UHF MED (Medical, EMS) Channels

Base & Mobile TX Mobile TX Channel Name Bandwidth

463.13125 468.13125 MED–61 U

463.1375 468.1375 MED–62 N,U

463.14375 468.14375 MED–63 U

463.150 468.150 MED–7 W,N,U

463.15625 468.15625 MED–71 U

463.1625 468.1625 MED–72 N,U

463.16875 468.16875 MED–73 U

463.175 468.175 MED–8 W,N,U

463.18125 468.18125 MED–81 U

463.1875 468.1875 MED–82 N,U

463.19375 468.19375 MED–83 U

Direct mode: receive & transmit on “Base & Mobile TX” freq.; Repeater mode:

transmit on “Mobile TX” freq., receive on “Base & Mobile TX” freq. CTCSS as

required by local plan. Bandwidth: W=wide, N=narrow, U=ultra-narrow (6.25

kHz). Add “D” to channel name when operating in “Direct” mode.

– 44 –

The 25 Cities Project Federal Interoperability Channels

The 25 Cities Project Federal Interoperability Channels were developed through the

Department of Justice “25 Cities” project to support local, state, federal, and tribal

voice communications interoperability. Each metropolitan area has agreed upon poli-

cies and procedures regarding use of these channels. Most 25 Cities VHF channels are

accessible by non-VHF users via permanent or ad hoc patching capabilities. All agen-

cies interested in using these frequencies, who are not currently participating in the

25 Cities eff ort, should contact the local FBI Radio Manager prior to programming any

equipment. For frequencies and programming details or other questions regarding

the project, contact Rob Zanger, U.S. Department of Justice, Wireless Management

Offi ce at 202.598.2000 or robert.m.zanger@usdoj.gov.

Information as of November 17, 2010.

CITY CHANNEL NAME

ATLANTA ATL FIO (VHF P25 Voted System)

BALTIMORE BA FIOLE3 (VHF P25 Voted System)

BOSTON BPD FIO (VHF Voted System - Analog)

CHICAGO

CG-COM-N, CG-COM-C, CG-COM-S

(VHF P25 Multicast Voted System)

CG-TAC-N, CG-TAC-C, CG-COM-S

(VHF P25 Multicast Voted System)

DALLASDFW EAST (VHF P25 Voted System)

DFW WEST (VHF P25 Voted System)

(continued)

– 45 –

The 25 Cities Project Federal Interoperability Channels

CITY CHANNEL NAME

DENVER

DEN IO-N, DEN IO-E, DEN IO-C, DEN IO-S,

DEN IO-W

(VHF P25 Multicast Voted System)

EL PASOEP FIO-W, EP FIO-E

(VHF P25 Multi-cast Voted System)

HAMPTON ROADS – NORFOLKHRN FIO

(VHF P25 Voted System)

HARTFORD, CTCFedcom-N, CFedcom-S

(VHF P25 Multi-cast Voted System)

HONOLULU

HNL FIO

(VHF P25 Stand Alone 125 watt repeater)

HNL FIO2

(VHF P25 Stand Alone 125 watt repeater)

LE 4

(VHF P25 Transportable 125 watt repeater)

HNL FIRE (VHF Voted System – Analog)

HOUSTONHOU CMD (VHF P25 Voted System)

HOU PAT (VHF P25 Voted System)

JACKSONVILLE JAX FIO (VHF P25 Voted System)

(continued)

– 46 –

The 25 Cities Project Federal Interoperability Channels

CITY CHANNEL NAME

LOS ANGELES

LA FIO1 (VHF P25 Voted System)

LA FIO2 (VHF P25 Voted System)

LA FIO3 (VHF P25 Voted System)

MIAMI MIA FIO (VHF P25 Voted System)

MINNEAPOLIS/ST PAULFEDCOM-MP, FEDCOM-SP

(VHF P25 Multicast Voted System)

NEW ORLEANS NOLA FIO (VHF P25 Voted System)

NEW YORK

NYC FIO (NYC), NYC FIO-N (Orange-

Putnam), NYC FIO-E (Suff olk), NYC FIO-S

(Central NJ)

(VHF P25 Multicast Voted system)

NYC FIO2 (VHF P25 Voted System)

ORLANDO ORL FIO (VHF P25 Voted System

PHILADELPHIA PH FIO (VHF P25 Voted System)

(continued)

– 47 –

The 25 Cities Project Federal Interoperability Channels

CITY CHANNEL NAME

ST LOUIS

STL CALL (VHF P25 Voted System)

8CALL90(800 MHz Simulcast Voted

Repeater System)

STL TAC (VHF P25 Voted System)

8TAC91 (800 MHz Simulcast Voted

Repeater System)

All of the above repeaters can be

networked together.

(continued)

– 48 –

The 25 Cities Project Federal Interoperability Channels

CITY CHANNEL NAME

SAN FRANCISCO

SF MA U-A (UHF Stand Alone 125 watt

repeater - Analog)

SF MA V-A (VHF Stand Alone 125 watt

repeater - Analog)

CLEMARS 7 (LLAW1) (Low Band repeater)

SF MA T-A (UHF-T Band Stand Alone 125

watt repeater - Analog)

8TAC94 (800 MHz Stand Alone 125 watt

repeater- Analog)

SF FED-V (VHF P25 Stand Alone 125 watt

repeater)

SF FED-U (UHF P25 Stand Alone 125 watt

repeater)

All of the above repeaters can be

networked together.

SF FED-ED, SF FED-ES, SF FED-ET, SF FED-

EW (VHF P25 Multicast Voted System)

TAMPA TAM FIO (VHF P25 Voted System)

WASHINGTON DCDC IO-1 (VHF P25 Voted System)

DC IO2LE2 (VHF P25 Voted System)

– 49 –

NOAA Weather Radio “All Hazards” Broadcasts

NWR broadcasts National Weather Service (NWS) warnings, watches, forecasts and other non-weather related hazard information 24 hours a day. Channels WX1-WX7 are used in the US & Canada; channels WX8-WX9 are used for Canada Marine Weather broadcasts in some areas. These channels should be programmed as wideband FM (16K0F3E) RECEIVE ONLY. Some radio manufacturers number the US weather channels in the order they came into use, others number them in frequency order. For programming in land-mobile radios, frequency order is recommended.

Weather Radio Broadcasts – Receive Only (WX1-WX7 US & Canada; WX8-WX9 Canada Marine Weather)

WX1 WX2 WX3 WX4 WX5 WX6 WX7

162.400 162.425 162.450 162.475 162.500 162.525 162.550

Marine 21B Marine 83B

WX8 WX9161.650 161.775

– 50 –

COMMON COMMUNICATIONS REFERENCES

Operations Center Telephone Numbers

DHS Main Number .................................................................. 202-282-8000NOC Senior Watch Offi cer ............................................. 202-282-8101

FCC Federal Communications CommissionCommunications and Crisis Management Center(CCMC) e-mail comm-ctr@fcc.gov ................................ 202-418-1122, -2813 FAX

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency,National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) ......... 202-646-2828(general number for all ESFs – see next page) .............. FEMA-NRCC@dhs.gov

NCS National Communications System NCC Radio Room/SHARES HF Radio ........................... 703-235-5080Operations Center / NCC Watch .................................... 703-235-5080

ARC American National Red Cross24-hr Disaster Operations Center .................................. 800-526-3571, 202-303-5555

ARRL American Radio Relay League ....................................... emergency@arrl.orgMain Number .................................................................. 860-594-0200 -0259 fax

– 51 –

Emergency Support Functions (ESF)

ESF #1: Transportation ESF #9: Urban Search & Rescue

ESF #2: Communications ESF #10: Oil & Hazardous Materials Response

ESF #3: Public Works and Engineering

ESF #11: Agriculture and Natural Resources

ESF #4: Firefi ghting ESF #12: EnergyESF #5: Emergency

ManagementESF #13: Public Safety and

SecurityESF #6: Mass Care, Housing,

and Human ServicesESF #14: Long-Term

Community RecoveryESF #7: Resource Support ESF #15: External Affairs ESF #8: Public Health and

Medical Services

– 52 –

FEMA Regions - States and Territories

Region I: CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT - 1-617-956-7506 or 1-877-336-2734

Region II: NJ, NY, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

NJ and NY: 1-212-680-3600

PR and USVI: 1-787-296-3500

Region III: DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV - 1-215-931-5500

Region IV: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC,TN - 1-770-220-5200

Region V: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI - 1-312-408-5500

Region VI: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX - 1-940-898-5399

Region VII: IA, KS, MO, NE - 1-816-283-7061

Region VIII: CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY - 1-303-235-4800

Region IX: AZ, CA, Guam (GU), HI, NV, CNMI, RMI, FSM, American Samoa (AS)

1-510-627-7100

Region X: AK, ID, OR, WA - 1-425-487-4600

FEMA Headquarters, Washington DC: 1-202-646-2500

FEMA Disaster Assistance: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

– 53 –

U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centers

24 hour Regional Contacts for Emergencies

Last Modifi ed 4/29/2009

RCC Location Phone Number

Atlantic Area SAR Coordinator Portsmouth, VA (757)398-6700

RCC Boston Boston, MA (617)223-8555

RCC Norfolk Portsmouth, VA (757)398-6231

RCC Miami Miami, FL (305)415-6800

RSC San Juan San Juan, PR (787)289-2042

RCC New Orleans New Orleans, LA (504)589-6225

RCC Cleveland Cleveland, OH (216)902-6117

Pacifi c SAR Coordinator Alameda, CA (510)437-3700

RCC Alameda Alameda, CA (510)437-3700

RCC Seattle Seattle, WA (206)220-7001

RCC Honolulu Honolulu, HI (808) 535-3333

Sector Guam Apra Harbor, GU (671)355-4824

RCC Juneau Juneau, Alaska (907)463-2000

– 54 –

CTCSS Tones and Codes

Freq.

(Hz)

Motorola

Code

NIFC &

CA Fire *

Freq.

(Hz)

Motorola

Code

NIFC &

CA Fire *

67.0 XZ 136.5 4Z 469.3** WZ 141.3 4A 1371.9 XA 146.2 4B 574.4 WA 151.4 5Z 1477.0 XB 156.7 5A 679.7 WB 162.2 5B 1582.5 YZ 167.9 6Z 785.4 YA 173.8 6A88.5 YB 179.9 6B 91.5 ZZ 186.2 7Z94.8 ZA 192.8 7A 1697.4 ZB 203.5 M1

100.0 1Z 9 206.5 8Z103.5 1A 8 210.7 M2107.2 1B 10 218.1 M3110.9 2Z 1 225.7 M4114.8 2A 11 229.1 9Z118.8 2B 233.6 M5123.0 3Z 2 241.8 M6127.3 3A 12 250.3 M7131.8 3B 3 254.1 0Z

* California FIRESCOPE tone list, used by NIFC and CA fi re agencies Ref. http://www.fi rescope.org/macs-docs/MACS-441-1.pdf

** 69.4 in some radios

– 55 –

DCS Codes

Normal Inverted Nor. Inv. Nor. Inv. Nor. Inv.

023 047 155 731 325 526 516 432025 244 156 265 331 465 523 246026 464 162 503 332 455 526 325031 627 165 251 343 532 532 343036 172 172 036 346 612 546 132043 445 174 074 351 243 565 703047 023 205 263 364 131 606 631051 032 212 356 365 125 612 346053 452 223 134 371 734 624 632054 413 225 122 411 226 627 031065 271 226 411 412 143 631 606071 306 243 351 413 054 632 624072 245 244 025 423 315 654 743073 506 245 072 431 723 662 466074 174 246 523 432 516 664 311114 712 251 165 445 043 703 565115 152 252 462 446 255 712 114116 754 255 446 452 053 723 431122 225 261 732 454 266 731 155125 365 263 205 455 332 732 261131 364 265 156 462 252 734 371132 546 266 454 464 026 743 654134 223 271 065 465 331 754 116143 412 274 145 466 662145 274 306 071 503 162152 115 311 664 506 073032 051 315 423

– 56 –

P25 Digital Codes

NAC – Network Access Codes

$293 default NAC$F7E receiver will unsquelch with any incoming NAC$F7F a repeater with this NAC will allow incoming signals

to be repeated with the NAC intact

TGID – Talkgroup ID

$0001 default$0000 no-one, talkgroup with no users – used for

individual call$FFFF talkgroup which includes everyone

Unit ID

$000000 no-one – never associated with a radio unit$000001-$98767F for general use$989680-$FFFFFE for talkgroup use or other special

purposes$FFFFFF designates everyone – used when implementing a

group call with a TGID3

– 57 –

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

RS-232 Connectors (DB25 and DB9)

“Front” refers to the ends with the pins; “rear” refers to the end with the cable. The following is a view of the pins, looking at the front of the female connector (rear of male):

same for DB25, except top pins 13 - 1, bottom 25 - 14 (left to right)

DB9 DB25 Signal

1 8 Carrier Detect2 3 Receive Data3 2 Transmit Data*4 20 Data Terminal Ready*5 1,7 Ground **6 6 Data Set Ready7 4 Request to Send*8 5 Clear to Send9 22 Ring Indicator

* An output from the computer to the outside world.** On the DB25, 1 is the protective ground, 7 is the signal ground.

– 58 –

RJ-45 Wiring

T568A (less common) T568B (more common)

Pin Pair Color Name Color Name

1 2 white/ green RecvData+ white/orange TxData +

2 2 green RecvData- orange TxData -

3 3 white/orange TxData + white/green RecvData+

4 1 blue blue

5 1 white/blue white/blue

6 3 orange TxData - green RecvData-

7 4 white/brown white/brown

8 4 brown brown

Note that the odd pin numbers are always the white-with-stripe color.

– 59 –

Telephone Connectors

Pin numbers are from left to right, holding the plug with the contacts up and looking at the side that does not have the spring clip. “T” and “R” indicate “Tip” and “Ring”.

Pin RJ25 RJ14 RJ11

1 T3 2 T2 T2 3 R1 R1 R1 4 T1 T1 T1 5 R2 R2 6 R3

Circuit Twisted-Pair Colors 25-Pair Colors Solid Colors

T1 White/Blue White/Blue GreenR1 Blue Blue/White RedT2 White/Orange White/Orange BlackR2 Orange Orange/White YellowT3 White/Green White/Green WhiteR3 Green Green/White BlueT4 White/Brown White/Brown OrangeR4 Brown Brown/White Brown

– 60 –

Telephone Block WiringTip,Ring

Tip Color(reverse for Ring)

50 PinPosition

66 or 110Block Position

1 White/Blue 26,1 1,22 White/Orange 27,2 3,43 White/Green 28,3 5,64 White/Brown 29,4 7,85 White/Slate 30,5 9,106 Red/Blue 31,6 11,127 Red/Orange 32,7 13,148 Red/Green 33,8 15,169 Red/Brown 34,9 17,1810 Red/Slate 35,10 19,2011 Black/Blue 36,11 21,2212 Black/Orange 37,12 23,2413 Black/Green 38,13 25,2614 Black/Brown 39,14 27,2815 Black/Slate 40,15 29,3016 Yellow/Blue 41,16 31,3217 Yellow/Orange 42,17 33,3418 Yellow/Green 43,18 35,3619 Yellow/Brown 44,19 37,3820 Yellow/Slate 45,20 39,4021 Violet/Blue 46,21 41,4222 Violet/Orange 47,22 43,4423 Violet/Green 48,23 45,4624 Violet/Brown 49,24 47,4825 Violet/Slate 50,25 49,50

– 61 –

Telephone Keypad Letters

1:(QZ) 2:ABC 3:DEF

4:GHI 5:JKL 6:MNO

7:P(Q)RS 8:TUV 9:WXY(Z)

* 0 #

DSN Area Codes

(Defense Switched Network)

312 - CONUS 313 – Caribbean 314 - Europe 315 - Pacifi c 317 - Alaska 318 - Southwest Asia 319 - Canada

Cellular Telephone Emergency Response

Some cellular telephone companies have transportable cell sites (Cellular On Wheels – COWs, Cellular on Light Trucks – COLTs, etc.) that can be deployed during disasters, emergencies, and special events. Local jurisdictions are encouraged to coordinate with their established service provider representatives for local events; however, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – National Communications System National Coordinating Center will assist jurisdictions with referrals to corporate level contacts for wireless/wireline service provider representatives if needed.

The NCS-NCC 24x7 Watch can be reached at 1-703-235-5080

or e-mail NCS@dhs.gov

– 62 –

Satellite Phone Dialing Instructions

From a US Landline

(helpful directions for someone to call you back)To an Iridium phone directly as an International Call 011 + 8816xxxxxxx (Iridium Phone Number)To an M4 phone directly as an International Call 011 + 870 + 76xxxxxxx (Mobile Number)Iridium PIN (default) is 1111(enter when powering-on the Iridium Subscriber Unit)From an M4: [Note - Cannot call Toll-Free numbers]

To a US Phone number: 00 + 1 + (10-digit US phone number)To an Iridium phone directly 00 + 8816xxxxxxx (Iridium Phone Number)To an M4 phone directly 00 + 870 + 76xxxxxxx (Mobile Number)From an Iridium provisioned commercially

To a US Phone number 00 + 1 + xxx.xxx.xxxx (US phone number)To an Iridium phone directly 00 + 8816xxxxxxx (Iridium Phone Number)To an M4 phone directly 00 + 870 + 76xxxxxxx (Mobile Number)Test call - no airtime charge: 00 + 1 + 480.752.5105

– 63 –

From an Iridium provisioned by DOD

ISU (Iridium Subscriber Unit) to DSN 00 + 696 + (DSN Area Code) + (DSN 7-digit number)ISU to U.S. Domestic 00 + 697 + (U.S. Area Code) + (7-digit US number)ISU to International Long Distance (ILD) 00 + 698 + (Country Code) + (“National Destination Code” or “City Code”) + (Subscriber Number)ISU to INMARSAT 00 + 698 + 870 + (INMARSAT subscriber number)ISU to Local Hawaii 00 + 699 + (7-digit local commercial number) 1-800 toll-free 00 + 699 + 1+ 800 + (7-digits)ISU to ISU, handset-to-handset 00 + (12-digit ISU subscriber number, e.g., 8816 763-xxxxx)

INMARSAT Country Code

All INMARSAT satellite telephones now use country code 870. The Ocean Region Codes were discontinued January 1, 2009:

871 Atlantic Ocean Region – East [AOR-East]872 Pacifi c Ocean Region [POR]873 Indian Ocean Region [IOR]874 Atlantic Ocean Region – West [AOR-West]

Inmarsat Customer Care Helpline - international direct dialing from USA to London, United Kingdom: 011 44 20 7728 1030

– 64 –

INMARSAT-M Service Codes

00 Automatic Calls11 International Operator12 International Information13 National Operator14 National Information17 Telephone Call Booking20 Access to a Maritime PAD23 Abbreviated Dialing24 Post FAX31 Maritime Enquiries32 Medical Advice33 Technical Assistance34 Person-to-Person Call35 Collect Call36 Credit Card Call37 Time and Duration38 Medical Assistance39 Maritime Assistance41 Meteorological Reports42 Navigational Hazards and Warnings43 Ship Position Reports57 Retrieval of Mailbox Messages6x Administration, Specialized Use70 Databases91 Automatic Line Test92 Commissioning Tests

– 65 –

Wireless Priority Service (WPS)

Authorized phones only; monthly and usage charges apply. http://wps.ncs.gov/

Dial *272 + destination number [send]

GETS - Govt. Emergency Telecomm. Service

User Assistance: 1-800-818-GETS, 1-703-818-GETShttp://www.ncs.gov GETS test #: 1-703-818-3924

GETS call from a commercial phone:

1-710-NCS-GETS (1-710-627-4387) 1-888-288-GETS (ATT) 1-800-900-GETS (MCI/Verizon) 1-800-257-8373 (Sprint)Optional: specify long-distance carrier 1010+288 (ATT) 1-710-NCS-GETS 1010+222 (Verizon) 1-710-NCS-GETS 1010+333 (Sprint) 1-710-NCS-GETSListen for tone; enter PINAt prompt, enter 10-digit destination number

GETS call from a rotary or pay phone:

Get outside line, listen for dial toneOptional: specify long-distance carrierATT: 1010+288 Verizon: 1010+222 Sprint: 1010+333Dial 1-710-NCS-GETS (627-4387)Wait for GETS operatorGive your PIN and 10-digit destination number

– 66 –

Text Messaging

Selected US & Canadian Cellular Text Messaging Carriers

Alltel number@alltelmessage.com

or message.alltel.com

AT&T number@mobile.att.net

Bell Canada number@txt.bellmobility.ca

Centennial Wireless number@cwemail.com

Cellular South number@csouth1.com

Cincinnati Bell number@gocbw.com

Metro PCS number@mymetropcs.com

or number@metropcs.sms.us

Nextel number@messaging.nextel.com

Omnipoint number@omnipointpcs.com

Qwest number@qwestmp.com

Sprint number@messaging.sprintpcs.com

Suncom number@tms.suncom.com

T-Mobile number@tmomail.net

TracFone number@mmst5.tracfone.com

Continued

– 67 –

Text Messaging (continued)

Telus number@msg.telus.com

U.S. Cellular number@email.uscc.net

Verizon number@vtext.com

Virgin Mobile number@messaging.sprintpcs.com

Alaska

Alaska Communications

Systems (ACS)

number@msg.acsalaska.com

General Communications

Inc. (GCI)

number@mobile.gci.net

Puerto Rico

Centennial Wireless number@cwemail.com

Claro number@vtexto.com

TracFone number@mmst5.tracfone.com

U.S. Virgin Islands

Centennial Wireless number@cwemail.com

TracFone number@mmst5.tracfone.com

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_SMS_gateways for more.

– 68 –

Line-of-Sight Formulas

Visual Line-of-Sight

Approximate distance in miles = 1.33 x √ (height in feet)

Radio Line-of-Sight

D = √(2Hr) + √(2Ht)

Where:D = approximate distance to radio horizon in milesHr = height of receive antenna in feetHt = height of transmit antenna in feet

Range Tx Ant. Height Rx Ant. Height Tx Ant. Height Range

8 10 5.5 150 21

10 20 5.5 200 23

11 30 5.5 300 28

12 40 5.5 400 32

13 50 5.5 500 35

16 75 5.5 750 42

17 100 5.5 1000 48

– 69 –

COMMONLY USED FREQUENCIES

Aviation Frequencies121.5 Emergency & Distress122.9 SAR Secondary and Training 123.1 SAR122.925 – for use only for communications with or between aircraft when coordinating natural resources programs of Federal or State natural resources agencies, including forestry management and fi re suppression, fi sh and game management and protection and environmental monitoring and protection.

Typical Uses Fixed Wing Rotary Wing

Air-to-Air 122.750 F 122.925 M122.850 M 122.975 U122.925 M 122.850 M122.975 U 123.025 A123.075 U 123.075 U

Air-to-Ground 122.850 M122.850 M 122.925 M122.925 M 122.975 U122.975 U 123.025 A123.075 U 123.075 U

A – Helicopter air-to-air, air traffi c control operations.F – Fixed-wing air-to-air.M – Multicom.U – Unicom.Ask FAA/FCC for emergency use of 123.3 or 123.5 (fl ight training).

– 70 –

VHF Marine Channel Listing

This chart summarizes a portion of the FCC rules -- 47 CFR 80.371(c) and 80.373(f)

Type of Message Appropriate

Channels *

DISTRESS SAFETY AND CALLING - Use this channel to get the

attention of another station (calling) or in emergencies (distress

and safety).

16

INTERSHIP SAFETY - Use this channel for ship-to-ship safety

messages and for search and rescue messages to ships and aircraft

of the Coast Guard.

6

COAST GUARD LIAISON - Use this channel to talk to the Coast Guard

(but fi rst make contact on Channel 16).

22A

COAST GUARD - These channels are Coast Guard working channels,

not available to commercial or non-commercial vessels for normal

use.

21A, 23A,

81A, 83A

U.S. Government - Environmental protection operations. 81A

U.S. Government - This channel is a working channel for U.S.

Government vessels and U.S. Government coast stations only.

82A

NONCOMMERCIAL - Working channels for voluntary boats. Messages

must be about the needs of the ship. Typical uses include fi shing

reports, rendezvous,scheduling repairs and berthing information.

Use Channels 67 and 72 only for ship-to-ship messages.

96, 679,68,

69, 718, 72,

78A, 79A4,

804

– 71 –

Type of Message Appropriate

Channels *

COMMERCIAL - Working channels for working ships only. Messages

must be about business or the needs of the ship. Use channels 8, 67,

72 and 88A only for ship-to-ship messages.

15, 7A, 8, 9,

10, 11, 18A,

19A, 635, 677,

79A, 80A,

88A1

PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE (MARINE OPERATOR) - Use these

channels to call the marine operator at a public coast station. By

contacting a public coast station, you can make and receive calls

from telephones on shore. Except for distress calls, public coast

stations usually charge for this service.

24, 25, 26,

27, 28, 84,

85, 86

PORT OPERATIONS - These channels are used in directing the

movement of ships in or near ports, locks or waterways. Messages

must be about the operational handling movement and safety

of ships. In certain major ports, Channels 11, 12 and 14 are not

available for general port operations messages. Use channel 20

only for ship-to-coast messages. Channel 77 is limited to intership

communications to and from pilots

15, 53, 12, 14,

20, 635, 65,

66, 73, 74,

7510,7610, 77

NAVIGATIONAL - (Also known as the bridge-to-bridge channel.)

This channel is available to all ships. Messages must be about ship

navigation, for example, passing or meeting other ships. You must

keep your messages short. Your power output must not be more

than one watt. This is also the main working channel at most locks

and drawbridges.

13, 67

– 72 –

Type of Message Appropriate

Channels *

MARITIME CONTROL - This channel may be used to talk to ships and

coast stations operated by state or local governments. Messages

must pertain to regulation and control, boating activities, or

assistance to ships.

17

DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING - Use this channel for distress and

safety calling and for general purpose calling using only digital

selective calling techniques.

70

WEATHER - On these channels you may receive weather broadcasts

of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These

channels are only for receiving. You cannot transmit on them.

WX-1

through

WX-7

Footnotes

1. Not available in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, or the Puget Sound and

the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its approaches.

2. Only for use In the Great Lakes, St Lawrence Seaway, and Puget Sound and the

Strait of Juan de Fuca and its approaches.

3. Available only in the Houston and New Orleans areas.

4. Available only in the Great Lakes.

5. Available only in the New Orleans area.

6. Available for intership, ship, and coast general purpose calling by noncommercial

ships.

7. Available only In the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

– 73 –

Type of Message Appropriate

Channels *

8. Available for port operations communications only within the U.S. Coast Guard

designated VTS radio protection area of Seattle (Puget Sound). Normal output must

not exceed 1 watt.

9. Available for navigational communications only in the Mississippi River/

Southwest Pass/Gulf outlet area.

10. Available for navigation-related port operations or ship movement only. Output

power limited to 1 watt.

* “A” indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit frequency of an international

duplex channel. Used in U.S. waters only.

December 21, 2010 Adapted from

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_bandplan&id=ship_stations

Shipboard repeaters: 457.525 457.550 457.575 457.600 MHzInputs are +10.225 MHz (foreign vessels may use +10.0 MHz offset – not permitted in U.S. waters).Maritime freqs. assignable to aircraft: (HF) 2.738 2.830 3.023 4.125 5.680 MHz (VHF) channels 6 8 9 16 18A 22A 67 68 72 & 88A See 47CFR80.379 for restrictions

– 74 –

VHF Marine Channels & Frequencies

Source: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtVhf

Channel

Number

*

Ship

Transmit

MHz

Ship

Receive

MHz

Use

01A 156.050 156.050 Port Operations and Commercial, VTS. Avail-

able only in New Orleans/Lower Mississippi

area

05A 156.250 156.250 Port Operations or VTS in the Houston, New

Orleans and Seattle areas

6 156.300 156.300 Intership Safety

07A 156.350 156.350 Commercial

8 156.400 156.400 Commercial (Intership only)

9 156.450 156.450 Boater Calling. Commercial and Non-

Commercial

10 156.500 156.500 Commercial

11 156.550 156.550 Commercial. VTS in selected areas

12 156.600 156.600 Port Operations. VTS in selected areas

* “A” indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit frequency of an

international duplex channel. Used in U.S. waters only.

– 75 –

Channel

Number

*

Ship

Transmit

MHz

Ship

Receive

MHz

Use

13 156.650 156.650 Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-

bridge). Ships >20m length maintain a

listening watch on this channel in US waters.

14 156.700 156.700 Port Operations. VTS in selected areas.

15 -- 156.750 Environmental (Receive only). Used by Class

C EPIRBs.

16 156.800 156.800 International Distress, Safety and Calling.

Ships required to carry radio, USCG, and most

coast stations maintain a listening watch on

this channel.

17 156.850 156.850 State Control

18A 156.900 156.900 Commercial

19A 156.950 156.950 Commercial

20 157.000 161.600 Port Operations (duplex)

20A 157.000 157.000 Port Operations

21A 157.050 157.050 U.S. Coast Guard only

* “A” indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit frequency of an

international duplex channel. Used in U.S. waters only.

– 76 –

Channel

Number

*

Ship

Transmit

MHz

Ship

Receive

MHz

Use

22A 157.100 157.100 Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime Safety

Information Broadcasts.

Broadcasts announced on channel 16.

23A 157.150 157.150 U.S. Coast Guard only

24 157.200 161.800 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

25 157.250 161.850 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

26 157.300 161.900 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

27 157.350 161.950 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

28 157.400 162.000 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

63A 156.175 156.175 Port Operations and Commercial, VTS.

Available only in New Orleans/Lower

Mississippi area.

65A 156.275 156.275 Port Operations

66A 156.325 156.325 Port Operations

67 156.375 156.375 Commercial. Used for bridge-to-bridge

communications in lower Mississippi River.

Intership only.

* “A” indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit frequency of an

international duplex channel. Used in U.S. waters only.

– 77 –

Channel

Number

*

Ship

Transmit

MHz

Ship

Receive

MHz

Use

68 156.425 156.425 Non-Commercial

69 156.475 156.475 Non-Commercial

70 156.525 156.525 Digital Selective Calling (voice

communications not allowed)

71 156.575 156.575 Non-Commercial

72 156.625 156.625 Non-Commercial (intership only)

73 156.675 156.675 Port Operations

74 156.725 156.725 Port Operations

77 156.875 156.875 Port Operations (intership only)

78A 156.925 156.925 Non-Commercial

79A 156.975 156.975 Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes

only

80A 157.025 157.025 Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes

only

81A 157.075 157.075 U.S. Government only - Environmental

protection operations.

82A 157.125 157.125 U.S. Government only

* “A” indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit frequency of an

international duplex channel. Used in U.S. waters only.

– 78 –

Channel

Number

*

Ship

Transmit

MHz

Ship

Receive

MHz

Use

83A 157.175 157.175 U.S. Coast Guard only

84 157.225 161.825 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

85 157.275 161.875 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

86 157.325 161.925 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

87A 157.375 157.375 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

88A 157.425 157.425 Commercial, intership only.

AIS 1 161.975 161.975 Automatic Identifi cation System (AIS)

AIS 2 162.025 162.025 Automatic Identifi cation System (AIS)

* “A” indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit frequency of an

international duplex channel. Used in U.S. waters only.

– 79 –

Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)

151.820 MHz

151.880 MHz

151.940 MHz

154.570 MHz (shared with business band)

154.600 MHz (shared with business band)

Maximum power output 2 watts.

Narrowband on 151 MHz frequencies, narrowband or wideband on the 154 MHz frequencies.

External gain antennas may be used (must be no more than 60 feet above ground or 20 feet above the structure on which it is mounted).

Voice or data (but not store-and-forward packet operation).

Personal or business use.

No license required.

– 80 –

GMRS FrequenciesRepeater outputs (inputs are +5 MHz):

462.550 462.575 462.600 462.625 462.650 462.675* 462.700 462.725 * nationwide traveler’s assistance; if CTCSS is required, try 141.3 Hz.Simplex prohibited on repeater inputs.Interstitial frequencies (simplex, not more than 5 watts): 462.5625 .5875 .6125 .6375 .6625 .6875 .7125 (shared with FRS)

FRS Frequencies(Channels 1-14)

462.5625/5875/6125/6375/6625/6875/7125 (shared with GMRS)467.5625/5875/6125/6375/6625/6875/7125

CB Frequencies

Ch MHz Ch MHz Ch MHz Ch MHz Ch MHz

1 26.965 2 26.975 3 26.985 4 27.005 5 27.015

6 27.025 7 27.035 8 27.055 9 27.065 10 27.075

11 27.085 12 27.105 13 27.115 14 27.125 15 27.135

16 27.155 17 27.165 18 27.175 19 27.185 20 27.205

21 27.215 22 27.225 23 27.255 24 27.235 25 27.245

26 27.265 27 27.275 28 27.285 29 27.295 30 27.305

31 27.315 32 27.325 33 27.335 34 27.345 35 27.355

36 27.365 37 27.375 38 27.385 39 27.395 40 27.405

* 26.995 * 27.045 * 27.095 * 27.145 * 27.195

* Remote Control Channels

– 81 –

Common Business Frequencies

IS=Special Industrial IB=Business ZA=GMRS

GMRS (ZA) freqs. are not for IS/IB use.

27.49 IB Itinerant 35.04 IB Itinerant 43.0400 IS Itinerant 151.5050 IS Itinerant 151.6250 IB RED DOT Itinerant 151.9550 IB PURPLE DOT 152.8700 IS Itinerant 154.5700 IB BLUE DOT (also MURS) 154.6000 IB GREEN DOT (also MURS) 158.4000 IS Itinerant 451.8000 IS Itinerant 456.8000 IS Itinerant 462.550 - 462.725 ZA (see previous page) 467.550 - 467.725 ZA (see previous page) 462.5750 ZA WHITE DOT 462.6250 ZA BLACK DOT 462.6750 ZA ORANGE DOT 462.7125 ZA Radio Shack HTs (GMRS) 464.5000 IB BROWN DOT Itinerant 35w. 464.5500 IB YELLOW DOT Itinerant 35w. 467.7625 IB J DOT 467.8125 IB K DOT

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467.8500 IB SILVER STAR 467.8750 IB GOLD STAR 467.9000 IB RED STAR 467.9250 IB BLUE STAR 469.5000 IB Simplex or input to 464.500 if repeater. Itinerant 35 w. max 469.5500 IB Simplex or input to 464.550 if repeater. Itinerant 35 w. maxGMRS (ZA) freqs. are often mistaken for business freqs., due to their color-dot designations.

Railroad Frequencies

161.205 Railroad Police Mutual Aid160.215(ch.7)-161.565(ch.97), every 15 kHz. Ch. 2-6 are used in Canada only: 159.810 159.930 160.050 160.185 160.200452.325 / 457.325452.375 / 457.375452.425 / 457.425452.475 / 457.425452.875 / 457.875

Shared Motor Carrier & Railroad:452.900 / 457.900452.925 / 457.925452.950 / 457.950

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SAR (Search And Rescue) Frequencies

Land SAR

Typical freqs. are: 155.160, .175, .205, .220, .235, .265, .280, or .295If CTCSS is required try 127.3 Hz (3A).

Air SAR

3023, 5680, 8364 kHz (lifeboat/survival craft),4125 kHz (distress/safety with ships and coast stations)121.5 MHz emergency and distress122.9 MHz SAR secondary & training123.1 MHz SAR primary

Water SAR

156.300 (VHF Marine ch. 06) Safety and SAR156.450 (VHF Marine ch. 09) Non-commercial supplementary calling156.800 (VHF Marine ch. 16) DISTRESS and calling156.850 (VHF Marine ch. 17) State control157.100 (VHF Marine ch. 22A) Coast Guard Liaison

VHF Marine Channels

6, 9, 15, 16, 21A, 22A (USCG Liaison), 23A, 81A, 83A USCG Auxiliary

138.475, 142.825, 143.475, 149.200, 150.700USCG/DOD Joint SAR

345.0 MHz AM initial contact, 282.8 MHz AM workingMilitary SAR

40.50 wideband FM US Army/USN SAR138.450 AM 138.750 AM USAF SAR

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NOTES

Check for updates at the NIFOG home page:http://go.usa.gov/aUF or

http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/nifog